Rescue package announced

on 21 February 2014

NHS England has agreed for Peninsula Community Health (PCH) to provide cover to the 2,500 patients in the Bodmin area who have been left without a dentist, following the immediate closure of George House Practice.

Former patients of the closed practice will be contacted by Bodmin Dental to confirm the moving over of treatment.

The package will mean that patients who had already begun treatment at George House Practice and had already paid up-front for their treatment can continue with safe and effective treatment.

The rescue package will also cover elderly patients with dentures who can experience pain and discomfort on a regular basis and need on-going support.

General manager for PCH Dental, Paul Critchley, said: ‘This situation can be distressing to some patients, so PCH Dental is delighted to be working collaboratively to offer this package ensuring patients continue their treatments and can access emergency dental care as and when needed.’

Not only does the rescue package help former patients to continue their treatment, it has kept the jobs of the nursing staff from George House Practice by transferring them over to PCH Dental.

Paul continued: ‘We believe it is important for patients to have continuity and a familiar face when they transfer to their temporary practice, to ease the anxiety and stress for those who are less keen on visiting the dentist.’

Former patients of George House Practice are recommended to contact PCH Dental Centre on 01872 354375 if they find they are in a situation where they are having dental problems.